Suspect You Might Have Sleep Apnea in Reno?

Suspect you might have obstructive sleep apnea in Reno? It’s crucial to your health to see a doctor soon. If left untreated, it can become life-threatening.

Does your bed partner tell you that you frequently stop breathing during the night? What if you sleep alone? Here are some signs that you may have sleep apnea in Reno:

• Loud snoring
• Awakening suddenly
• Difficulty staying asleep
• Frequently being tired during the day
• Waking with a dry mouth
• Headaches, especially in the morning
• Difficulty concentrating

Recurring interruptions in breathing during sleep starves the brain of oxygen. When the brain is not getting enough oxygen, the heart slows down. When the person resumes breathing, the heart goes into panic mode to push the oxygen to the brain. Then the cycle repeats itself many times an hour each and every night. This stop-and-start action is dangerous for every organ in the body.

CPAP (Positive Airway Pressure) may be the most well-known treatment for sleep apnea. Many people don’t know that there are other ways to treat it. Oral appliance therapy (OAT) conducted by a dentist can be an effective treatment for obstructive sleep apnea.

The American Academy of Sleep Medicine (AASM) has approved OAT in the following circumstances:

• As a first-line treatment for people with mild to moderate OSA (Obstructive Sleep Apnea)
• As a first-line treatment for patients with severe OSA who are unable to use CPAP devices
• As a combination therapy (using CPAP and an oral appliance together)

A custom-fit oral appliance allows patients to breathe normally during sleep. A diagnosis of OSA must be made by a physician. If the physician recommends oral appliance therapy, he or she will refer the patient to a dentist who is trained in treating sleep disorders.

The advantages of an oral appliance over a CPAP machine include:

• More convenient
• More comfortable
• Portable
• Quiet
• Doesn’t need electricity
• Easy to clean
• May allow wearer to talk and eat during use

If you have been suffering from untreated obstructive sleep apnea in Reno, OAT can restore your health. The team at The Reno Dentist encourages you to see an MD soon before your health is compromised. If you have already received a diagnosis of OSA and would like information about OAT, call 775-323-0700 to set up a consultation with The Reno Dentist. We also offer other services such as Laser and Cosmetic Dentistry.

Contact The Reno Dentist:

775-323-0700

Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):

855 W Seventh St Ste 200
Reno, Nevada
89503